Friday, December 30, 2011

Hey folks, sorry we missed yesterday with Part 4 of our Top 50 Favorite Records of 2011. Had some computer problems (not sure if it's fixed or not, but we're live at the moment). The final 20 will post next Monday and Tuesday (the good lord or lady of home computing willing). Today, though, we wanna spread some New Year's cheer!

Hope everyone has a good New Year's Eve and Day. Not big on resolutions and whatnot, but maybe we'll try to be better posting this coming year. And maybe we'll strive to be a little nicer to our fellow folks. Never hurts to try, anyhow.

Here's some rockin' and rollin' tunes to help get yr New Year's Eve party swingin', baby!

The mighty Quintron kicks off the night, with his own insane organ-drenched, rollerskating party version of a "New Year's Night"! Keep the night going with a beatnik bop New Year's groove of "Bear Rug" courtesy of Tony Rodelle Larson! Roy Milton and his Solid Serenaders keep us boppin' and boozin' along with their own "New Year's Resolutions"! Roy Tan and Combo get downright "bubbly" with a not so subtle suggestion on how to get, ahem, "bubbly" on the big night..."let's fill our glasses with "sunshine..." indeed! And New Year's Eve wouldn't be complete without at least one bit of sobriety, courtesy of Johnny Paycheck and his end of the night coat check.

Once again, our Best Of 2011List concludes next week.

For now, enjoy the big night of the year. We'll raise a glass to you all!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Keeping the groove rollin' with Day Three of Big Rock Candy Mountain's Favorite Records of 2011! Ruling the world one record at a time!

When possible, tunes are taken from vinyl (or, the download card from the vinyl...yay download cards!). Most of these records are from small, independent labels that Rolling "corporate" Stone wouldn't touch if their ad dollars depended on it. Have you seen the latest "best of" lists??? Egad...we don't pretend to have the greatest, most outre taste, but good gravy! Alas...hopefully we're providing you with a modicum of "alternative" (whatever that is). Hell, maybe this list sucks, but we stand by every damn record on it. Do you really care about the latest Beyonce record?

Ok, then, here's a couple of "Best Ofs" before we kick out #'s 30-21!

Book of the Year: The Devil All The Time by Donald Ray Pollock (Takes Breece Pankake's exploration of Appalachian life and transforms it into a noirish, muddirty drenched exploration of the evil men are capable of, and the transformative good they can do.)

Radio Station of the Year: WMSE (One of the last true independent radio stations, and more diverse than...gasp...WFMU. Yeah, I said it (though we love, love, love WMFU...no hard feelings, guys). True "public" radio run by folks who actually like music, and aren't afraid to step outside of whatever boundaries one could set.)

The lord god of all New Zealand, leader of the greatest band ever, The Clean, Kilgour furthers the autumnal falling leaf strum, eyes upturned in revelation and swirl the air, the slightest grasp, the drone of all life.

Devil may care, and surely he does, sleaze rawk the purgatory, and round the sound, the temptation of voodoo rhythm and beat noir boozey backroads shotgun shacks, with faith healers and snake charmers galore!

Quick caveat: We have a huge stack of records from the past year that we haven't gotten to yet. And we're not including 7"'s in this list. What that means, of course, is that we're missing out on a whole bunch of great shit! Such, of course, is the nature of lists. Are we missing a killer record? Yep! Hopefully we'll make up for it over the next few months. Got a favorite record that we're missing? For fuck's sake, let us know!

Before we dig in to the list, let's give a holler to some other categories...

Record Label of the Year: Norton Records! (so many great labels that we love...Hozac, Trouble In Mind, Big Legal Mess, Voodoo Rhythm, etc. But Norton wins, for so many reasons, but ultimately based on the next category...) Live Show of the Year: Norton Records 25th Anniversary 4-Day Blowout in New York City! (we can't even begin to give proper props to how great this weekend was...oldsters The Sonics!? and the Mysterians! The Robby Fuller 4! Mick Collins leading a Soul Review featuring Andre Williams, Melvin Davis, Dave "Baby' Cortez, The Mighty Hannibal!Bloodshot Bill returning to the U.S.! The Great Gaylord! Yo La Tengo as the Condo Fucks! The mighty A-Bones! Tandoori Nights! And so much more, including future Mountain favorites Daddy Long Legs! Good gravy, we left out another great 30 bands from the weekend!)

Monday, December 26, 2011

Well! Here we go! Our Top 50 Most Favorite Records of the Year (2011) (in 5 parts)!

Normally we'd take this time to wax ridiculous about the state of music, and all it's perceived problems. But...well, we'd rather stay positive, and recognize all the great records released this year. Sure, there was a lot of crap released this year, and a quick perusal of Rolling Stone, Spin, Magnet, Entertainment Weekly, Pitchfork, etc. would be enough to depress any fan of fine Rawk'n'Roll. But why do we depend on corporate magazines and websites, led by ad dollars, to tell us what we like, anyway???? That's right, we don't! There's only one record in our Top 50 that actually achieves a consensus amongst the...ahem..1% That it's our best record of the year (astute readers will already correctly guess what this record is) is not a reflection on the artist, but more a reflection of how the popular media is slow on catching up on things.

For every Taylor Swift, there is a Quintron. For every (yawn) Adele, there is a Neko Case. For every Black Keys, there is a Speaking Tongues orLeft Lane Cruiser. Our goal is not to tell you what you like, but rather to tell you..."you might like this". To make an overriding qualification on what is "good" is facile, and doesn't recognize the power of music to transform, to have staying power, to capture one in repose or in various stages of experience.

Over the next 5 days, we're gonna let you glimpse what records we enjoyed the most this year. We think you will probably like all or most of them. Maybe you won't. That's part of the fun. Nobody has ever made the "definitive" best of list", nor will they ever. At the end of the day, it's the hum in our own heads that gets us through. That said, we believe strongly in the following records. We'd like you to check 'em out.

On a quick political note: Please research the deceptively titled SOPA Act. While we certainly have no truck with internet piracy in it's malicious forms, this bill affects every site's ability to bring you even mere "samples" of music, and affects your ability to peruse music before you buy it. Most of what we post here is "small label" stuff, with permission. But if this Act passes, with the approval of the so-called "Major Labels", your ability to listen to music, and make your own decisions, will be severely limited. The Major Labels want to to give you "product", and want you to buy it without a critical filter. We think you should have the right to a variety of music, and what choices you make should be your own, and not guided by corporate approval.

Ok, enough pontificating.

We'd like to send a special thank you to Andy, the country's greatest DJ from Zero Hour Radio and WMSE, for his help in shaping this list, thanks to his many contributions over the last year. He was also a fellow traveler to the Norton Records blow-out in New York, which we will discuss later.

Without further ado, then, Part 1 (of 5) of our Favorite Records Of 2011! We're counting down, so hang on to your hats!

Over-distorted noise and genius from the mighty drummer of The Bassholes and the Puffy Aereolas, making his own scuzz portal, buried and murmured melody surrounded and surrendered by volume at 11, double wide insanity!

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Once again, we made it through another Holiday season. Hope y'all enjoyed our offerings this year. Many thanks and much appreciation for all the kind words and emails (and even the grumpy fella who didn't much care for "Psycho (Santa)" )!

Don't forget that we start our Best Records of 2011 countdown on Monday!

Now then, regular readers will already know what song(s) we're gonna post today. We do it every year, and why not? Both tunes represent what can be great about Christmas music, without being tired, overly cliched, or inane. You won't hear them played in department stores (though you might hear them in your local, independent record stores). But each song, in their own way, reach the very beating heart of what a secularist like ourselves can take from the Holiday season, and hell, even throughout the year. Yes, Virginia, there are great Christmas songs.

The Pogues' "Fairytale of New York"...what can we say that we haven't said before? A bittersweet, yet ultimately hopeful, tale of two people, chasing a dream, and down on their luck, overwhelmed by situation, and clinging to promise. The song takes place on Christmas Eve in New York City, the shining beacon of opportunity, the beckoning world of bright lights and "rivers of gold". It's an immigrant's song, the "other" chasing a promise of a better life, and instead, finding hardship and loss...the promise distilled into reality. But within that loss, within the dream, a very human existence, a willingness to believe despite obstacle. The song is about love, and all it's conflicting dimensions, and that's what we take from Christmas. We are defined, not by how we live alone, as some would have us believe, but how we live in context to others, even if it's how we relate on a one-to-one basis. Eschewing the currently popular philosophy of every person for themselves, we still cling to John Donne's "no man is an island", we cling to an inclusive ideal, where "...inasmuch as you have done it to one of the least of these my brothers, you have done it to me". That Shane Macgowan's drunken lullaby of a voice is met by Kirsty MacColl'sangelic riposte, only makes the song more poignant. "I built my dreams around you", indeed.

Robert Earl Keene's"Merry Christmas From The Family" is an entirely different tune, of course...a hilarious and very, very true tale of Christmas with those we love, despite the wacky nature of family. Hilariously wry, and full of the foibles that make up each and every one of us, it's a tune about who we are, and how we are. And, it's laugh-out-loud funny. Seems we've all had a Holiday experience with these folks, and we're the better for it. Drunkenly sung, and full of humorous minutiae, it strips away the sacred trappings, and lays out the true nature of Christmas, the gathering of those we hold dear and the character that makes us all both insufferable and beloved.

These songs are dedicated to the memory of Jackie Berg and Katzenjammers. Two beautiful souls who can never be replaced.

Friday, December 23, 2011

One more day 'til December 25th, when we celebrate the glorious birth of our savior, Shane MacGowan! Oh, and something else about that day causes folks to get all a'tremble with Seasonal joy, as well.

Tomorrow, Xmas eve, we've got a special post.

After that, of course, begins our equally insane Best Records of 2011 list! So stop on by for that, as well. So far, we've got about 60 records in out Top 50, so that should be entertaining for y'all.

Bur you're not here to hear us blather on...On with the Holiday tunes, and our Fox-approved War On Christmas!

Let's make this brief...Massive funk workout, and one of our favorite songs from this Season, from the Harvey Averne Band! Garage punk joy from The Fleshtones! Hillbilly Holidays, and a version of one of our favorite Xmas songs ever, from The Ranch Girls and the Hillbilly Boogiemen! A short and woozy warm Yuletide blanket from Betty and the Cavaleros! Joyous pure pop egg nog from the very mighty Saint Etienne! Deep rooted honky tonk makes peace with the hippies, in the spirit of Christmas, thanks to Don Sneed! Grouchy Fall-followers, The Wedding Present, find some Holiday spirit, courtesy of a nifty cover! Groovin' soul Santa from The Voices! And, finally, organ-drenched doo wop culmination of what we've been working toward, thanks to The Rhythm Kings!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Just about made it. Only a few more days until the big gimme gimme gimme hoo ha. Hopefully we've managed to entertain y'all a bit this Yuletide. As the days grow shorter, we're finding new tunes amongst our thousands to share, and so we start loading things up (holding a few killer tracks for next year, of course).

Gettin' greasier than a turkey today!

Boca Chica gift us with a lazy-eyed honky tonk fuck off. Then we've got a trashy barrel house piano and strip club sax shout out from Ebony Moods (who'd make Andre Williams proud). Santa Surfabilly rawk follows courtesy of the Lucky Cupids. Things get a little scary with Bobby "Boris" Pickett and the Crypt Kickers'"Monster's Holiday". Mountain favorite and Mexican Presley, El Vez brings us a trailer park Holiday extravaganza. The Raveonettes cool things down a bit with their Jesus and Mary Chain meets Julie London brand of Holiday "cheer". And the gifts wrap up in fine form with the insane rumble that is the mighty Untamed Youth.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Hee Haw Holidays, folks! Just lit up the barn with sparkly lights, and decorated the boots with tinsel. We're goin' a little Country on ya, with some exceptions, so pull out yr Solstice line dancin' moves!

And remember, if you don't like today's posts, well, hell, who knows what we're gonna do tomorrow! A little somethin' for everyone, we'd like to think.

The boot scootin' Santa love starts off with Dale Watson and a tale of booze, jail, and Santa Claus. Rick Fines brings us a little Country Blues yuletide in the big, big city. Dwight Yoakam delivers a bizarre tale of dysfunction on the Holidays. We couldn't go this year without a little Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks kicking up a bit of dusty snow on the proceedings. Moving out of the genre, Johnny Moore and his Blazers deliver a sweet tale of Xmas eve. And finally, Mountain faves The Dyes rock us out into the night with a punk'n'billy take on a Sonics classic. So merry Xmas to all, and to all a rockin' good night. Indeed.

The big day is almost here. Lots of cheer and gettin' stuff. Hell, we like gettin' stuff as much as anybody. Please keep in mind those that "gettin' stuff" means a warm coat or a hot meal. We're all tryin' to make it in this world, and money's tight for all of us. A dollar here or a quarter there can help folks more than we can imagine.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

It's finally snowing here in Chicago! So let's break out the egg nog, put on our ironic Xmas sweaters, and get to work!

So...what do we have for y'all today? Some killer little packages, that's what!

Garage punk Xmas takes center stage with the staggeringly great tale of bad behavior, "Santa Aint Coming For Christmas" from Rocket 455! A jumpin' and swingin' "Santa Claus Blues" from Eva Taylor ("No money, no honey, to buy a present for me")! Contemporary music's best lyricist brings the Yuletide grouch in Magnetic Field's "Everything is One Big Christmas Tree"! And L.E. White and Lola Jean Dillon bring us a honky tonk tale both hilarious and heartbreaking in the essential "The Big One"!

Friday, December 16, 2011

Hoo boy! We've got a special, themed Yuletide treat for y'all today. A bit of a cheat, since we're including some tunes we've posted in years past, but there's plenty of new tunes as well (and it works out well for newer visitors!). Not much to say about this post, figgerin' it's pretty self-explanatory.

Some of these tunes kick some serious ass, some are a little more "special". Collect 'em all!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Sanity clause is checked off, reindeer are fed, nasty little elves are working day and night. It's time for another Xmas post!

We'd like to send a special shout out to Mark W. ("dat ol' varmint") for all his help these past couple of years, with killer Holiday mixes galore. Some of what you get in these posts are courtesy of Mark, so thanks, man!

No iPad under the tree today, but we got some other brightly packaged treats. First, greasy hep cat rhythm'n'booze stomper, "Rockin' Santa Claus" from The Martels. The mighty Loudon Wainwright III weighs in next, with a deceptive little number, "Christmas Morning". Just when you think he's dropped his notorious wry sarcasm, he sneaks right back up on ya. 5 Chinese Brothers follows, with "Christmas on Interstate 80", an accordion-led Country Xmas road trip, featuring waitresses, greyhounds, hope and despair. Perfect.

Monday, December 12, 2011

We're still keeping at it, sharin' all the toys for bad little girls and boys!

Just a reminder, our World Famous Best of the Year list follows all this whoo-ha, starting December 26th! Odds are currently being taken on what's gonna be #1! (though I bet astute and regular readers might already have a good guess).

Keeping tidings joyful today, with some rollin' R'n'B from Jimmy Charles, followed by a little Bakersfield-style Country Xmas courtesy of Buck Owens and Susan Raye. And finally, one of our favorite Garage-Soul bands, The Bellrays, keep us jumpin' up and down the chimney.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Get on yr dancin' elf shoes today, cuz we got a Yuletide party goin' on!

Mosh along to Yo La Tengo's raved up version of Jan Terri's"Rock'n'Roll Santa"! Git down 'n' groovy with J. Hines and the Boys' insanely catchy and deep thumpin' "A Funky Christmas to You"! And swing, swing, swing the festive night away with Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra's"Christmas Night in Harlem" (which features Johnny Mercer and Jack Teagarden)!

As ever, please give what you can this Holiday season, and year round. Times are tough, and money's tight for all of us, but sometimes even a dollar can help get someone a hot meal. Thanks for stoppin' by.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

We had a correction on our last post, and we'd like to thank the person who pointed out our mis-credit. We'd also like to thank all the kind folks who have sent Xmas tunes and/or suggestions our way. Y'all have been generous to us, and we'd like to return the favor.

Mixed (Santa's) bag today. A little more soulful doo-wop inspired Xmas R'n'B from the Sherwoods. The Cotton Top Mountain Sanctified Singers bring us some some ragtime, jug-bandy, holly roller gospel blues for the season. And the Queen of All Country, Loretta Lynn, does sad Christmas exactly the way it should be done, sad but not schmaltzy (there's a reason we worship her).

Thursday, December 08, 2011

Awright! Keepin' the blades on our sled sharp! Remember, we're the cure for all that's oh so very bad about Xmas music. Joy! Joy!

It's all about the love today.

Ron Winter start things off this fine wintry morning with "Snow Girl", a stomping Bo Diddley meets Surf City ditty. Nifty! Old-timey rockabilly takes the stage next with Harry Lee's"Rockin' on a Reindeer". Hoedown! And we'll wrap these swell gifts up with The Uniques and a soulful little doowop-y number, "Merry Christmas Darling". A surprisingly sweet tune (at least coming from us), but what can we say? We can't always be cynical little bastards, can we?

What series would like Big Rock Candy Mountain to make regular features? (pick as many as you like)

About Me

Both kinds of music: Country and Western. A little trash, a little junk, a little grease, a little truckin'. Irritable, opinionated bastard. Questions, comments, and offers for free whiskey can be sent to: jukejoint at gmail dot com. Thank you.